California Avenue: streetscape project to include dozens of new trees

California Avenue will soon be graced by 49 new trees and many other pedestrian- and bike-friendly features.

The enhancements are part of the California Avenue Streetscape Project, a redesign for the stretch of California between El Camino and the Caltrain Station at Park Avenue.

The project design incorporates 49 new trees in the same species palette as the existing street trees, which were selected with input from the community. Five young trees (including one dead tree) will be removed to enhance safety at a reconfigured intersection. These trees were planted in industrial soil so they cannot be transplanted.

Other planned elements include widened sidewalks, two new plazas, and new streetlights and street furniture, all designed to create a dynamic commercial and residential district that builds on current amenities.

"We're especially pleased that California Avenue now has the potential to become the fully tree-lined, shaded, vibrant commercial street that the community has long dreamed of," says Catherine Martineau, Canopy's Executive Director.

You can get the latest updates on the City of Palo Alto project website.

Volunteers needed! Annual Palo Alto Young Tree Care Survey

Each summer Canopy volunteers and partners comb through Palo Alto neighborhoods to survey the health of hundreds of young street trees. Young trees are most vulnerable during their first three years. By monitoring their health and identifying problems early, this survey helps improve survival rates of young city trees.

This is a fun, educational outdoor activity to do on your own, with a friend, or with the whole family.

Join us for a 30-minute training followed by a 2.5-hour tree survey:

Saturday, July 19th, 9am - 12pm - Meet at the corner of Embarcadero and Cowper (near Gamble Garden)
Wednesday, July 23rd, 6-8:30pm - Meet at Heritage Park, 300 Homer Avenue

Once you've attended a training, you are welcome to complete additional surveys on your own. Learn more and sign up. Watch Canopy's how-to video.

It's hot out there! Is your tree thirsty?

As the drought persists, we're all finding ways to conserve water and cut waste.

In most single-family homes, close to 50% of water use is outside in yards and gardens. Transitioning from thirsty yards to water-smart landscapes can result in big water savings.

Trees are one of the most water-efficient elements in the urban landscape, and a well-managed urban forest saves more water than it uses in the long-term. That's why it's especially important to keep trees healthy during drought.

Here are a few ideas to reduce outdoor water waste while preserving the benefits of trees and other green infrastructure:

Choose drought-tolerant trees and other plants.
Learn the water requirements of your existing plants using the Canopy Tree Library for local trees, or the WUCOLS (Water Use Classification of Landscape Species) for other landscape plants.
Use only what you really need by employing efficient watering methods. Learn more about trees and water on the Canopy website.

Additional Resources for water-savvy households:

"Help Your Trees Survive Drought" - helpful infographic from Invest From the Ground Up.

Water-saving strategies from the City of Palo Alto

Tips, rebates and more from Santa Clara Valley Water District's "Save 20 Gallons" program.

Water-wise plants - providers for water-wise plants, compiled by the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Welcome to our summer Youth Staff

Canopy's Youth Staff learn environmental science and job skills while helping Canopy monitor and care for young trees throughout Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and East Menlo Park. Our summer team includes three new East Palo Alto high school students and one returning Senior Youth Staff.

Top: Elizabeth Perez and Jennifer Villegas Naranjo practice their new pruning skills during Canopy's June Pruning Workshop. Above (from left): Jesus Lopez (Senior Youth Staff) and our three new Youth Staff: Elizabeth Perez, Jennifer Villegas Naranjo, and Kyren Patrick take a break from tree care activities.

Stay tuned to hear about their experience this summer, or volunteer for a work day to ask them for yourself!

July 2014:

California Avenue Update

Young Tree Care Survey

Fall Planting Leader Training

Community Happenings

JULY TREE WALK
Southgate Neighborhood

Sat. July 12, 10am - 12pm

Led by local expert and certified arborist Ray Morneau

Join us for an informative, fun walk around Southgate. We will encounter the fast growing Black Locust, stately Coast Redwood, elegant Camphor, Cork Oak, Japanese Persimmon, and many more.

Meet in the Palo Alto High School parking lot on Churchill Avenue at Castijella avenue. Learn more. Sign up.

CAMPFIRE TREE TALK

"Trees of Yosemite" with
Park Ranger Bob Roney.

Sat., August 16, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Boyscout Fire Circle at the Lucie Stern Community Center

Join Canopy around the campfire for a lively evening with author, park ranger, and master naturalist Bob Roney, also known as "Ranger Bob." A fun talk for all ages, followed by s'mores and mingling with Canopy friends.

Learn more and RSVP online or email maika@canopy.org for info.

Canopy Volunteer Survey

Volunteered at a Canopy event or work day in the past year?

We are always working to improve our programs and ensure volunteers have a positive experience. We would love your input! Click the link below to share your thoughts.

Thank you for your feedback!

Take the 3-minute survey now.

Mark your calendars!
Planting Leader Training

Part 1: September 4th & 5th

(choose one date)

Part 2: September 6th

Want to be outside, meet new friends, and make a visible difference in the community?

Join our team of planting leaders! Our annual training is in two parts; part one is offered Thursday and Friday, September 4th and 5th, and part two will be held Saturday, September 6th.

Learn more. Reserve your spot.

Community News

Help build a new playground in East Palo Alto. Non-profit KaBOOM! is teaming up with local organizations and the City of East Palo Alto to build a new playground at Bell Street Park.

Learn how you can volunteer.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month! One more great reason to get outdoors this summer.
Learn more.

Explore Palo Alto Parks.

Canopy is proud
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Connect with Canopy

Canopy is a nonprofit environmental organization that plants and protects trees in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and neighboring communities. Thank you for helping us create a continuous, sustainable, and thriving urban forest that can be enjoyed today and by future generations.